Decision 2022: Marco Rubio, Val Demings debate in Florida Race for U.S. Senate

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Marco Rubio and Val Demings will meet for their first and only debate on Tuesday as they face off for the opportunity to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate.

Tuesday’s “Before You Vote” debate begins at 7 p.m. ET. It’s being held at Palm Beach State College’s Lake Worth Campus. WPBF 25 in West Palm Beach is hosting and moderating.

There’s a lot riding on the debate for both incumbent Republican Sen. Rubio and his Democratic challenger, Rep. Demings. Rubio is currently ahead in the polls, but Demings hasn’t held back on hammering her opponent when it comes to issues like abortion rights and crime.

[wilmotdadzie]

Everyone who is a “Legal Citizen” in this country has the right to vote. I certainly support ID checks for voting period! How else are the people supposed to be CONFIDENT in election results? People should either request a ballot and have them submitted within the approved time or they should go in person to vote period. We all need ID to board a plane, buy alcohol, cigarettes, open a bank account, drive, enter a night club, etc. Everyone has an ID so, I’m not sure why people have issues with this. This is just COMMON sense.

[flhomerops]

We have days to vote early in FL in person. Show your ID and vote, it is simple.

[MamawLifeMe]

Ms. Demings is not answering the questions, she spends 45 seconds bashing the Mr. Rubio, 15 seconds starting to explain her answer.

[Itravelbackintime]

Moderator thought he was on the ballot debating Rubio try to pull a Chris Wallace.

[mattphillips]

So he answers the questions and she just deflects and calls him a liar. What a joke

[TheHouseofChameleons]

Journalist should never be moderators. We learned that from Chris Wallace.

[skipa-gkkf]

i hate to tell val demings that everyone has the right to vote if they are a legal citizen.

[kozepeyim]

She just focused on him not the question.

[kronicacid]

It must be really hard for Rubio to stand there and listen to this ridiculous defamation non stop and not just go for the throat. Who funded her, soros?

[JohnPMiller]

In French debates, the media puts a timer under each candidate to show how much time each candidate has spoken. You should do the same to assure equal time.

[wnchstrman]

First question is on "climate change", so we all learned very quickly the moderator is a democrat. Thanks for tipping us off right away.

[frontsightfocus]

As a an active military member, he’s right when he says “you don’t want the federal government in charge of your insurance”

[morganfalkdesigns]

What is frightening is that people actually think lying politicians are not lying.

[snahg]

Wow!! This woman is confrontional. She's hasn't answered a single question but immediately goes into blame mode. The best way to garner votes is to let them know what YOU will do for them, NOT that you think everyone is a liar.

[daltondoyle]

Mark Rubio was clear and concise on the issues. He was very professional. She had no answers just kept attacking Rubio, very unprofessional. There is a clear winner here. Go

[GarfieldAllen]

Marco Rubio completely won on every single question. I was expecting this to be at least a competitive debate.

[thinkaboutit.]

I'm undecided and an Independent voter. After this debate: I'm going with Rubio!

[michaelbouhebent]

You can look it up. The only things she’s passed through the house are two post offices in Orlando.

[jdieuju]

As a registered Democrat, this is the first time I am voting all Rep on the tickt

[rlanza]

Facts and actions by Senator Rubio have carried the day in this debate. Emotional slurs and allegations without facts are a virtue signaling tactic that present as a weak on ramp for leadership. Representative Demmings has demonstrated she wants to carry the flag after the storm has passed. For these reasons, I believe that Senator Rubio makes for a better choice of substance and stance on the issues facing Florida! The most important thing here is for all Floridians to get out and vote, to be involved as part of the solution and to help with solutions by demanding performance in office. Thanks to all who carried the debate and may the best qualified earn the office by a true ID verified vote!